Detached Garage

A BUILDING PERMIT IS REQUIRED for a garage. A development permit is not required for a garage serving a single family dwelling provided it complies with the requirements of the Land Use Bylaw. Please allow approximately 1 to 2 weeks to process an application.

General Information

It is recommended that garages over 55 square meters (592 square feet) in building area have foundation walls and footings a minimum of 1.2 meters (3.93 feet) below grade around the perimeter or the design of the foundation should be reviewed by a Professional Engineer licensed to practice in the Province of Alberta. Contact the Building Inspector about possible alternative foundation designs for garages larger than 55 square meters (592 square feet).

The maximum height of a detached garage cannot exceed 4.5 meters (14.7 feet). Height is determined from the average lot grade to the peak of the roof.

A detached garage cannot have more than one storey.

A detached garage cannot be located in a front yard.

Maximum lot coverage for all accessory buildings on a residential lot is 15%.

The Alberta Building Code requires that an electrical light fixture shall be provided in a garage.

The applicant shall submit a copy of the “Natural Gas Facilities Location Request” form, confirming the location of the gas line. Unless otherwise approved by the gas company, garages may not be located over a gas line.

Obtaining a Permit

To obtain a permit, submit a written application on the prescribed form, accompanied with the required plans, and pay the prescribed fee. The following information should be provided:

(1) A site plan drawn to scale showing: (a) The lot size and location of any existing buildings on the lot. (b) The location of the proposed garage and the distances from the property line. (2) Details on the foundation including thickness and steel reinforcement if any. (3) Details on the wall construction, exterior and interior finishes. (4) Door and window sizes & location, including lintel material sizes. (5) Details on the roof construction, roof slope, eave overhang and exterior finish.

It may be necessary for you to submit a site plan prepared by an Alberta Land Surveyor with your application.

Permit applications are available at the City Office by clicking here.

Fees

The fee for a building permit is calculated at $0.35 ft2. The minimum fee is $165.00 plus a Safety Code Council levy of 4% of the permit fee. If any variance to the Land Use Bylaw are required, a development permit and associated fees will also be needed.

Completed application forms can be dropped off between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at:
City of Brooks
201 - 1 Avenue West
Brooks, Alberta

Required Inspections

(1) Framing - Upon completion of the framing, sheathing and roofing.
(2) Insulation and Vapor Barrier - Prior to interior wall finish if the garage is to be insulated.
(3) Final Inspection - Upon completion of the garage.

Call Park Enterprises at 1-800-621-5440 or 403-329-3747 to schedule an inspection. Or, book an inspection online by clicking here.

Other Permits

Additional permits may also be required, depending on the design of your garage. These include:
Electrical permit
Gas permit
Plumbing permit

These permits can be obtained from any agency authorized by Alberta Municipal Affairs to issue permits and provide compliance monitoring. Agencies that are authorized to issue these permits are listed on Alberta Municipal Affairs website by clicking here.

THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF BROOKS AS A PUBLIC SERVICE AND HAS NO LEGAL STATUS.